Interim Report – February 2016 #9 (16.2.16)

UNITED KINGDOM

Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) Neonatal Mortality

On the 16th February 2016, the Animal Health Trust reported a case of EHV-1 neonatal mortality on a Thoroughbred stud farm in Hertfordshire, epidemiologically linked to the case reported on 1st February 2016. The foal was born alive, showing signs of respiratory distress and was subsequently euthanased. Appropriate biosecurity measures have already been implemented in accordance with the HBLB Codes of Practice and will continue as required. Beaufort Cottage Laboratories confirmed the positive diagnosis by PCR and histopathology on placental and foetal tissues.

Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) Abortion

On the 16th February 2016, the Animal Health Trust also confirmed a case of EHV-1 abortion on a stud farm in Suffolk. The affected animal was a 14 year old vaccinated Thoroughbred mare who aborted whilst stabled. The mare was in contact with one other Thoroughbred mare, who foaled successfully two weeks previously, and 25 Arab horses. Appropriate biosecurity measures have been implemented in accordance with the HBLB Codes of Practice and will continue as required. The positive diagnosis was confirmed by PCR and histopathology on placental and foetal tissues.

BOTSWANA

Dourine – Trypanosoma equiperdum

On the 15th February 2016, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reported a total of three cases of Dourine in the Central, Southern and Kgatleng districts of Botswana. One case presented with prepuce swelling and weight loss with routine surveillance identifying the two further cases. Eight susceptible horses have also been identified with possible routes of transmission thought to have occurred through contact at grazing and watering. Botswana National Veterinary Laboratory confirmed the positive diagnosis on 10th February 2016 through serology using the complement fixation (CF) test. Control measures implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture have included movement restrictions and continued surveillance. This is the first outbreak of Dourine reported in Botswana and epidemiological investigations will be continued and reported on as necessary.

The Animal Health Trust is a veterinary charity, based in Suffolk, which offers clinical referral services and diagnostic testing for horses, dogs and cats in East Anglia, across the UK and internationally. Through its research programmes it develops new diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccines to help thousands of animals.